India head coach Rahul Dravid indicated that either wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav or Yuzvendra Chahal might be included in the playing XI for their Super 8 opener against Afghanistan in Barbados.
Team India is set to begin the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean. In New York, the team relied on pacers due to the uneven bounce at Nassau County Stadium. However, the slower Caribbean tracks will now favor spinners.
India’s first Super 8 match is against Afghanistan on Thursday, June 20th in Barbados. Head coach Rahul Dravid has hinted that wrist spinners Kuldeep Yadav or Yuzvendra Chahal could be included in the playing XI. He also emphasized India’s flexible batting order, adjusting strategies based on match situations and specific opponents.
“It’s tough to leave anyone out. New York had pace bowlers’ conditions… slightly different. We might need something different here (in Barbados). Yuzi (Chahal) or Kuldeep (Yadav) could be used here. We are lucky to have players with all-round abilities. We had eight batters but we (also) had seven bowling options,” Dravid said when talking to the media.
“Each situation is unique. Can’t set it in stone. I believe in flexibility. The Pakistan game we moved Axar (Patel), specifically thinking around it… Rishabh (Pant) up the order (at No. 3), lots of thinking goes into it. I don’t think in Tests (cricket); we will have that flexibility. In T20s where it is a lot about match-ups, you see it happening more (flexibility in batting position),” he added.
READ ALSO | Robin Uthappa Predicts High-Voltage Bowling Clash Between Afghanistan and India In Super 8s Match
Dravid further expressed excitement about playing in the Caribbean for the Super Eights. He emphasized that Afghanistan, a strong team with experienced league players, should not be underestimated.
“Lovely to come to the Caribbean and play cricket. A couple of practice sessions. We are prepared. Afghanistan are a very dangerous side. Their players play more in leagues than our players. They are not a team to be taken lightly. Deservingly in Super 8,” the coach concluded.
Last Updated on June 20, 2024
Senior Sports Copywriter
